Starting May 4, WestJet will be the only airline carrier in the world offering direct flights from Calgary to Nashville, one of the biggest music hubs in the U.S.

Local country music artist Trinity Bradshaw makes three or more trips to Nashville per year, her most recent excursion to what’s been dubbed “Music City U.S.A.,” a two-month trip focusing on her songwriting.

“I was told Calgary was the Nashville of Canada, and that’s what originally brought me here,” Bradshaw said. “And they are kind of similar — they’re both like big towns.”

Bradshaw said direct flights would cut down on travel time to a city she credits with being both an asset and inspiration to honing her songwriting skills.

“One flight the whole way is definitely a perk, it’s about time,” she said. “I’ve noticed a growth in my own songwriting and that real driving force behind a song, this formula driven by a hook — I didn’t realize that importance until I went to Nashville.”

Brett Wilson, Calgary businessman and philanthropist, said he was elated to hear WestJet’s announcement Monday. As part owner of the Nashville Predators NHL hockey team, Wilson travels frequently to Nashville to support his team as well as a flurry of local musicians who’ve made their mark in the music metropolis.

“I think it’s a big win for the western country music scene,” Wilson said. “It’s exploding in terms of music — the country world just loves this spot. And most genres of music have some basecamp in Nashville now.”

But between travel connections and long flight times, Wilson said it currently takes him around 10 hours to get from Calgary to Nashville.

“I’ve had some fun poking WestJet for the past year or so about a direct flight,” Wilson said with a laugh. “I was probably the most excited Calgarian imaginable when I heard. I’m a big fan of Nashville and WestJet for having courage to take on the route.”

WestJet spokesperson Lauren Stewart said with the success of the air carrier’s direct flight service from Toronto to Nashville that launched last year, offering non-stop flights to western Canadians looking to spend some time in a spot revered for art and music was a no-brainer.

“Definitely Calgarians love country music, but beyond that, Nashville is also known for a great arts and restaurant scene,” Stewart said. “I also know lots of people go down for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon — the city just has so much to offer.”

Starting in May, travellers will have the option of choosing from two non-stop flights a week from Calgary to Nashville.

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